Yale University

Yale University was founded on October 9, 1701, as the Collegiate School in Saybrook, Connecticut. It was established by clergy seeking to preserve the tradition of European liberal education in the New World. The institution was later renamed Yale College in 1718, in recognition of a gift from Elihu Yale, a governor of the British East India Company.

In 1716, Yale University, initially located in Saybrook, Connecticut, moved to New Haven. The move was prompted by the need for a more central location and improved facilities, which were primarily funded by the donation from Elihu Yale, for whom the school is named.

In 1861, Yale College was renamed Yale University. This change reflected the school's expansion, which included the founding of the Sheffield Scientific School and the Yale School of Art. These developments marked the evolution of the institution from a college to a comprehensive university with graduate and professional education.

The Yale School of Forestry, now part of the Yale School of the Environment, was established in 1889. It was the first graduate school of forestry in the United States and quickly became a leader in the field, shaping the future of environmental science and forest management.

In 1911, the Yale Daily News was founded. It is the oldest college daily newspaper still in existence in the United States. Over the years, it has provided a platform for budding journalists and has been an important part of student life, covering significant events on campus and beyond.

The Yale University Art Gallery opened in 1932 as an institution dedicated to showcasing art collections and promoting the study of art. Designed by architect Louis Kahn, it was a seminal piece of architecture that influenced art museum design and continues to house a world-class collection of art that serves as a major cultural resource.

In 1969, Yale College admitted women for the first time, marking a significant moment in the university's history and a major shift towards gender equality in higher education. This decision followed years of deliberation and activism by students and faculty, aligning Yale with other Ivy League peers in becoming co-educational.

On May 4, 1970, thousands gathered at Yale for the May Day protest against the trial of Black Panther Bobby Seale and the Vietnam War. The event, marked by a tense atmosphere and a large police presence, highlighted national tensions during a period of significant civil unrest and was a pivotal moment in Yale's history of activism.

On January 11, 2001, Yale University inaugurated Dr. Richard C. Levin, its first female president. This milestone was significant not only for Yale but for the broader academic community, representing a shift towards greater gender diversity in university leadership.

On February 11, 2017, Yale University announced the renaming of Calhoun College to Grace Hopper College. This decision was the culmination of lengthy debates over Confederate symbolism and racism, honoring Grace Hopper, a pioneering computer scientist and alumna, and demonstrating Yale's commitment to inclusivity.